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1978 Maserati Merak SS heads to RM Auctions' Scottsdale sale

December 26, 2013

One of the tidier Merak SS models we've seen will be offered by RM Auctions at its Arizona event next month. Photo by RM Auctions

Not all classic Maseratis are exorbitantly expensive. In fact, some experts think that the classic ones (loosely defined as anything made before 1980 that isn't a sedan) are still undervalued today. Granted, some of that has to do with the relative difficulty of keeping one running if you don't live within 50 miles of the factory, but, compared with models from other Italian supercar manufacturers, they're still a bit of a bargain.

Exhibit A: the Maserati Merak SS, the "junior" version of the Bora with a 217-hp V6 engine that was a bit easier on the wallet than its more sporting sibling. We'll get a better idea of what the Merak is worth in the market at RM Auctions' Scottsdale sale next month where this impressive SS will be offered.

The interior appears to be in good shape, with minimal wear. Photo by RM Auctions

This Argento silver 1978 Merak SS is one of just 312 SS examples made and has been in the U.S. since new. It's claimed to be all original, right down the U.S.-market emissions equipment, and the interior is reported to have only mild patina on its racing-blue Connolly-leather interior. With fewer than 15,000 claimed miles on the odometer, it's certainly one of the lower-mileage Meraks we've seen, though we have to point out that high-mileage 1970s Maseratis are not only rare but, in some cases, more sought after than low-mileage examples.

The Merak SS shares its 3.0-liter engine with the Citroën SM, so the 1,236 run of the Meraks is not as frighteningly small as it seems when it comes to drivetrain components. And Citroën SM parts cars are still readily available in this country, though we seriously doubt that the new owners of this car will ever find themselves in a position where they have to source a Citroën SM parts car. As a matter of fact, the carburetors in this example are said to have been recently serviced, and the car is reportedly current on its mechanical and fluid services.

This low mileage example keeps a low profile in this color. Photo by RM Auctions

The best examples of the Merak SS have gone from trading in the low- to mid-$30K range just eight years ago to the high-$40K and low-$50K range, and this trend is showing no signs of letting up. But keep in mind that the average value of a Merak SS is still around $32,000, per Hagerty. This isn't exactly a "catch it on the upswing" situation, but rather a reflection of the best examples of 1970s Maseratis finally getting their due.

The later Meraks, such as this example, are certainly a better buy than the early models, though with an estimate of $45,000 to $60,000, this particular car is dipping into driver-grade Bora territory. But if you plan to visit the RM Auctions tent in Scottsdale or simply visit your laptop in your den with the goal of buying the best Maserati Merak SS you can find, this may just be your ticket.